Pet Digest

What is Cocomega in Dog Food? Updated: August 2025 If you’ve flipped over a bag of dog food and spotted the ingredient “Cocomega” , you might be wondering—what exactly is it? A superfood? A gimmick? Or something in between? Let’s unpack this branded fat supplement and see whether it deserves a place in your dog’s bowl. What is Cocomega? Cocomega™ is a trademarked ingredient that blends coconut oil and fish oil . Together, they combine two very different but complementary fat sources: Coconut oil → rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) , fats that are quickly absorbed and converted into energy. Fish oil → packed with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) , which are known for their anti-inflammatory and brain-supporting properties. Think of Cocomega as a way to deliver both fast fuel and long-term health support in one package. Why is Cocomega Used in Dog Food? Pet food companies often include Cocomega because it offers benefits that go beyond basic calorie...

Seed Oils in Dog Food: Why to Use Them—and Why Not Scan almost any kibble label and you’ll see seed oils —sunflower, flaxseed, canola, soybean, safflower, and more. Are they helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between? The short answer: dogs do need omega-6 (linoleic acid) from fats for skin/coat and cellular health, but problems arise when seed oils dominate the fat profile without enough omega-3s to balance them. Why Seed Oils Are Used in Dog Food Essential fatty acids: Oils like sunflower and safflower provide linoleic acid (omega-6), required for skin, coat, and barrier health. 1 Alternative fat source: For dogs who don’t tolerate certain animal fats, plant oils can be easier to digest. Shelf life: Some seed oils help kibble stay fresh longer compared to animal fats. Cost: Plant oils are often cheaper than fish oil or animal fats, making foods more affordable. Why Some Pet Parents Avoid Seed Oils Omega imbalance: Too much omega-6 and not enough omeg...

When choosing a dog food, many pet parents look at ingredients, price, and packaging—but not many think to ask who actually owns the brand. One of the biggest names behind popular dog foods is Nestlé, a company better known for candy bars, coffee, and bottled water. But Nestlé isn’t just in your kitchen—it’s also in your dog’s bowl. --- 🏢 Meet Nestlé Purina PetCare Nestlé’s pet food division, Nestlé Purina PetCare, is one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, it dominates both the grocery aisle and pet specialty stores. From economy kibble to high-end performance diets, they have something for every budget—but not always every philosophy when it comes to pet nutrition. --- 🐾 Dog Food Brands Owned by Nestlé Here’s a breakdown of the most common dog food brands under the Nestlé Purina umbrella: 1. Purina Pro Plan Marketed as vet-recommended and performance-driven, Pro Plan is often seen as Purina’s premium line. It’s used by many bree...

Legumes in Dog Food: Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Legumes in Dog Food – Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about dietary decisions for your pet. Legumes—such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—have long been praised for their fiber, protein, and nutrient content. In recent years, they’ve become prominent in many grain-free dog foods as alternative carbohydrate sources. But with their rise in popularity has come scrutiny. Following the FDA’s investigation into cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating grain-free foods, legumes have been placed under the microscope. Why Are Legumes in Dog Food? Legumes are used in dog food for several reasons: Cost-effective protein: Legumes offer plant-based protein at a lower cost than meat. High in fiber: They support digestive heal...

Why Some Pet Owners Avoid Corn and Fillers in Dog Food When shopping for dog food, you may notice ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals listed near the top. These are often referred to as “fillers,” and many pet parents choose to avoid them. But why? What Are Fillers? In the pet food world, "fillers" generally refer to ingredients that add bulk or calories but may have limited nutritional value for dogs. Common examples include: Corn or cornmeal Wheat or wheat gluten Soy Animal by-product meals (like “poultry by-product meal”) Why Do Some People Avoid Them? There are a few reasons pet parents prefer to steer clear of these ingredients: Digestibility: Some dogs may have trouble digesting corn or wheat, especially in large amounts. Dogs produce very little of the enzyme amylase in their saliva compared to humans. Amylase helps break down starchy carbohydrates like corn into simple sugars. Because dogs don’t begin digestion...

How to Read the Ingredient Panel and Guaranteed Analysis on Dog Food When choosing the best food for your furry companion, flashy packaging and marketing buzzwords can be misleading. The real truth? It's in the ingredient panel and the guaranteed analysis (GA). These two sections tell you what’s really in the bag — and how much of it. If you’ve ever flipped a bag of dog food over and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so you can shop smarter. --- 🥩 Ingredient Panel: What’s Really in There? The ingredient list tells you what’s in the food, listed in descending order by weight before cooking. What to Look For: ✅ Named animal protein first. You want to see things like “chicken,” “turkey meal,” or “beef” listed first — not "corn," "wheat," or "by-products." ✅ Whole ingredients. Look for recognizable items like sweet potato, oats, peas, blueberries, salmon oil, etc. ✅ Meal vs. Meat: Chicken Meal is concentrated and has more protein tha...

🐾 Carbs in Dog Food: What Pet Food Labels Aren’t Telling You When shopping for dog food, most pet parents focus on protein and fat content—but what about carbohydrates? Surprisingly, many pet food labels leave this information out entirely. Here’s why carbs matter, how to calculate them yourself, and what it means for your dog’s health. --- 🧐 Why Are Carbs Hidden? Unlike human food labels, pet food in North America isn’t required to list carbohydrate content. Instead, they focus on: Crude protein Crude fat Moisture Fiber Ash (sometimes) This means you’ll have to do the math yourself if you want to know how much of your dog’s food is made up of carbs. --- 📊 How to Calculate Carbs in Dog Food Use this simple equation: 100 - (Protein% + Fat% + Moisture% + Fiber% + Ash%) = Carbohydrates% > ⚠️ If ash isn’t listed (it often isn’t), assume 8% for kibble-based diets. Example: Let’s say a dog food lists: Protein: 25% Fat: 15% Moisture: 10% Fiber: 4% Ash (not listed): Assume 8% 100 - (25 +...

Why I Don’t Like Royal Canin or Science Diet Dog Food And Why You Might Want to Rethink What’s in Your Dog’s Bowl As a dog lover and pet parent who truly cares about what goes into my pup’s body, I’ve spent a lot of time researching dog food ingredients, reading labels, and watching how my dog reacts to different foods. Two of the most recommended brands by vets—Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet—are often praised as premium dog food. But after doing a deeper dive, I’ve come to a firm conclusion: I don’t like Royal Canin or Science Diet, and I wouldn’t feed them to my dog. Here’s why. --- 🚫 1. They’re Loaded with Fillers One of the first things that made me question these brands was the ingredients list. Despite their premium price tag, the first few ingredients often include corn, wheat, soy, and brewers rice—none of which are high-quality fuel for a carnivorous animal. These ingredients are cheap fillers used to bulk up the food and keep costs low for the manufacturer—not to provid...

Why You Should Consider Going Grain-Free for Your Dog As pet parents, we all want the best for our dogs—from exercise to mental stimulation to the food in their bowl. One of the most talked-about trends in pet nutrition is the grain-free diet, and it’s not just a passing fad. For many dogs, cutting grains from their diet can lead to better digestion, shinier coats, fewer allergies, and overall improved health. If you’re wondering whether grain-free might be right for your pup, here are five reasons to consider making the switch—backed by veterinary insights and research. --- 1. Grains Aren’t a Natural Part of a Dog’s Ancestral Diet Dogs are descendants of wolves, who primarily ate meat, bones, and some plant matter—not corn, wheat, or rice. While dogs have adapted somewhat to modern diets, their digestive systems are still optimized for high-protein, low-carb foods. According to PetMD, a grain-free diet may better align with your dog’s natural nutritional needs, offering ingredients th...